Fulham transfer deadline day 2014 – what to expect before 11pm

Rarely has a transfer window taken on such significance for Fulham. With the heavy thought of relegation looming over our heads, it’s vital we get it right.

But, with the deadline looming ever closer, what can we expect to happen at Craven Cottage?

What do we need?
Quite a lot. A central midfielder has to take priority, despite the superb form of both Steve Sidwell and Scott Parker. Robust, tenacious forces they might be, but creativity is lacking in the middle of the park and someone needs to come in and fill that void.

A left-back is imperative too, with John Arne Riise settling back into his old routine of generally being bad (and also injured), while Kieran Richardson continues to look out of his depth, despite an improvement in performances.

Our centre back spots requires embellishment too, even though the return of Brede Hangeland and the rise of Dan Burn has helped add stability to a previously porous back line.

And, finally, a striker would be nice, not least because Dimitar Berbatov has pretty much given up now. Hugo Rodallega and Darren Bent are hardly forcing the Bulgarian out of the first team, either.

How much money is available to spend?
There seems to be a reasonable kitty available – certainly enough to tick a decent portion of the boxes listed above. Shahid Khan is a wealthy chap but he is also keen to live within his means, so while we will certainly splash some cash, we won’t be doing a QPR.

Fulham remain hopeful of bagging Ravel Morrison (Picture: Getty)

Who do we want?
Numerous names have been thrown around and Rene Meulensteen hasn’t been afraid to confirm which rumours are valid and which are wide of the mark.

Our pursuit of West Ham’s Ravel Morrison has caused controversy and is set to go right down to the wire, while an audacious bid for Olympiacos’ Konstantinos Mitroglou seems to be going somewhere.

Neil Taylor, the Swansea City left-back, has been linked but the Welsh club seem reluctant to sell. Amongst others, Simon Zoller and Lewis Holtby have also been spoken of,

What will we get?
The Mitroglou deal looks mighty close and should be confirmed by Friday’s cut-off point. Lewis Holtby should also arrive to help in central midfield.

Will anyone leave?
Dimitar Berbatov is being pursued by Spurs, which would in turn help sweeten the Holtby deal. Derek Boateng is wanted in the Championship, namely by Watford, who may try and press through a loan deal before the deadline.